The university announced Friday the duo will hold co-defensive coordinator roles. The announcement came after coach Ray Woodard said Thursday only McGallion would be a coordinator and Johnson, who coached UTEP defensive backs for the last three seasons, would coach the secondary.

No matter who has what title, only one person will have final say.

"I'll have veto power," said Woodard, who built most of his coaching resume on the defensive side before Lamar hired him to restart the football program in 2008.

Johnson will coach pass defense and McGallion run defense. Woodard will coach both.

"He's a well-respected defensive coach," McGallion said of Woodard.

Lamar hired Johnson after former defensive coordinator Roger Hinshaw left in March. His contract expired Thursday.

The Cardinals will play a full Southland Conference schedule in 2011 for the first time since 1986. Lamar had records of 5-6 overall and 1-3 against Southland teams last season.

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Lamar yielded an average 41.8 points and 473.3 yards in four games against Southland teams last season.